Community Radio Stations to Link up for Party Leaders Programme

Scotland's network of community radio stations are together to broadcast an exclusive interview programme featuring the leaders of the four main parties standing in the Holyrood Election.

It’s the first time the stations have linked up to cover a national Scottish Election.

'The Leaders' is to be presented by broadcaster and journalist, Charles Fletcher, who is acting chair of the community radio stations representative body, the Scottish Community Broadcasting Network.

SCBN member stations include Two Lochs Radio, Wester Ross; Dunoon Community Radio; Black Diamond Radio, Midlothian; Leith FM, Edinburgh; Celtic Music Radio, Glasgow; Pulse 98.4, East Renfrewshire; SHMU FM Aberdeen; Brick FM, St Boswells; and Sunny Govan Radio, Glasgow.

Fletcher's Caledonia Media also produces a programme for the network, from First Minister's Questions at Holyrood. 

In a statement issued by the SBCN, John Ritchie, chair of Black Diamond Radio, is quoted, saying: “This is a milestone for community radio. The fact the leaders have agreed to recognise the sector in such an engaging way is good news for all the volunteers across the country that make local radio work.”

Ritchie, who is also editor of the Edinburgh Guide, added: “It is a key turning point for the Scottish Community Broadcasting Network and something we will be building on.”

The Leaders will be broadcast on SCBN member stations across Scotland during next week, at times convenient for each station.